Kenyan Runner Boosts Family Finances with Vietnam Race Wins

Edwin Kiptoo, a Kenyan marathon runner, has utilized the winnings from his triumphs at Vietnamese races in 2024 to bolster his family’s financial situation. He has supported his spouse’s enterprise, financed their child's schooling, and bought agricultural land back home in Kenya.

Last week, Kiptoo came back to Vietnam to keep racing, having been highly successful in the nation’s marathon scene from 2023 into early 2024. In this period, he claimed victory in at least seven competitions, taking home prizes totaling several hundred million Vietnamese dong (with VND100 million equating to around US$3,900). His winnings have allowed him both to assist his family based in Kenya and put funds towards real estate investments.

Following our calculations, Kiptoo revealed, he and his spouse opted to purchase a plot of land close to their residence for cultivation and future endeavors. He mentioned that purchasing property was not something he had considered previously; however, after a demanding year of labor, it turned into a tangible achievement. This parcel of land sits at the periphery of Eldoret City in Kenya.

Edwin Kiptoo wins at the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2024. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

Previously a educator in Kenya, Kiptoo shifted to professional athletics in 2019 because he wasn't earning enough to provide for his household. Since then, he has joined a cohort of Kenyan athletes residing in Malaysia, frequently participating in races across Southeast Asia aimed at winning prizes.

Kiptoo’s inaugural race in Vietnam took place in Ho Chi Minh City during December 2023. Despite having minimal resources, he got support from a local connection which helped him compete, and he emerged victorious with a finishing time of 2 hours and 27 minutes.

In 2024, Vietnam emerged as a key focus area for Kiptoo.

He achieved remarkable victories in various competitions held in Da Nang, Hanoi, Hue (VnExpress Marathon), and Quy Nhon within a brief span of time. During this period, Kiptoo’s winnings accumulated to around $3,000 in just three weeks, which was quite substantial relative to typical salaries in Kenya. As reported, Kenya's gross domestic product per person amounted to $1,950 in 2023. Trading Economics His impressive acting roles also opened doors for him as an ambassador for local brands.

Last November, his unbeaten record in Vietnam came to an end when experienced Vietnamese athlete Nguyen Van Lai surpassed him during the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight event.

Kiptoo’s financial stability acquired through working in Vietnam has resulted in enhancements to his life at home. With this newfound security, he assisted his spouse in growing her apparel enterprise, and his child is now enrolled in a superior educational institution. “Since we're more financially secure, my family can spend quality time together without constantly struggling to cover basic expenses,” he stated.

Edwin Kiptoo (left) races alongside Vietnam’s Nguyen Van Lai during the concluding part of the VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024. The photo was taken by VnExpress Marathon

Even though Kiptoo is well-known within Vietnam’s running circles, he stays fairly unrecognized in his homeland. He mentioned, “Running is common practice in Kenya; everyone does it. So, winning several races overseas isn’t particularly remarkable.” He added, “A lot of individuals from my country participate in significant competitions held across Europe, where the level of competition is much higher, making achievements such as mine less exceptional.”

Globally, Kenya is renowned for its supremacy in marathon racing, with areas including Iten and Eldoret nurturing many elite runners. Various aspects, such as an elevation of around 2,400 meters, fresh air, and cultural influences, have led to the belief that Kenyans possess innate talents for long-distance running.

Running is an integral part of everyday life in Kenya," Kiptoo stated. "With dedication and perseverance, anyone has the potential to be a marathon runner. This is why every time I go back to Kenya, I constantly feel the urge to stay in top shape and continue enhancing my performance.

Kiptoo is set to participate in the VnExpress Marathon Volvo All-Star event on April 20. The competition boasts the largest cash prize for a Vietnamese marathon winner, surpassing VND105 million ($4,060). It will include top-tier athletes, posing a substantial obstacle to Kiptoo’s current winning streak.

"I'm happy to be back in Vietnam. The All-Star race is a big opportunity—not just for the prize but also for the prestige," Kiptoo said. "I'll pace myself and focus on physical preparation to perform at my best."

The VnExpress Marathon Volvo All-Star The inaugural marathon in Vietnam necessitates that participants achieve specific qualification times (under 4 hours for males covering 42km, under 5 hours for females over 42km; under 2 hours for males racing 21km, under 2:30 for females completing 21km). The organizers intend to establish a distinctive competitive environment and foster the expansion of the running community in Vietnam.

The event is being organized by VnExpress online newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, with Volvo Car Vietnam serving as the official partner.

Lan Anh